Lawrence vs. Ripon College

Comparable Facts

Compare Lawrence University in Appleton, WI with Ripon College in Ripon, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lawrence University is larger than Ripon College based on total student enrollment (1,417 students vs. 709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lawrence University is located in Appleton, WI (Small City setting); Ripon College is in Ripon, WI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ripon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lawrence University 7:1; Ripon College 12:1.

Lawrence vs. Ripon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lawrence or Ripon College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Ripon College than Lawrence ($23,772 vs. $27,161).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ripon College are 11.2% lower than at Lawrence University ($10,800 vs. $12,165).
• Lawrence University is 9.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ripon College (about $5,082 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $51,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.8% higher at Lawrence than at Ripon College (about $5,082 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $51,900.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lawrence University as at Ripon College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lawrence University students is 7.5% larger than aid received by Ripon College students ($42,688 vs. $39,716).

Lawrence vs. Ripon College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lawrence or Ripon College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Ripon College and Lawrence.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lawrence University (1310) is 180 points higher than at Ripon College (1130).
• Incoming Lawrence students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Ripon College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lawrence University 1200/1420; Ripon College 980/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lawrence University 24/31; Ripon College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lawrence - Test optional; Ripon College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lawrence students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Ripon College (3.41).
• Ripon College has a higher acceptance rate (79.8%) than Lawrence (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Lawrence vs. 10.9% at Ripon College.

Lawrence vs. Ripon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lawrence and Ripon College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Lawrence University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Ripon College's (70%).
• Graduates from Ripon College earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lawrence University graduates have a $650 lower median loan debt than Ripon College graduates ($27,350 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Lawrence graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ripon College graduates ($282 vs. $289).
• More Ripon College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 76%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.